Make note, BVO is all new!

Black Voices of Oshkosh’s new logo

That’s right. We have a new blog address, a new face and some new opportunities for our followers.

Please note that our new blog address is:

http://blackvoicesofoshkosh.com/

Go there now and follow the new page.

Remember to read our latest blog entitled, “Community Call to Action: Act Now!” It’s a jaw-dropper.

While there, check out our new Affiliates tab to learn more about the businesses who have begun to advertise with us.

Voices could not be more excited about these small business champions who have partnered with the BVO brand to reach our diverse and global audience.

Everyday, we are chatting with business owners who understand the many benefits of networking with our readers. Check this page often as more ads will be appearing daily. We encourage you to look to these small (mostly minority) business owners first when you are looking to make a purchase.

Soloprenuers and entrepreneurs who want to know more about why and how to advertise with BVO, send an email to blackvoicesthrive@mail.com.

Everyone who places an ad this month will be entered into a raffle for a $10 Subway gift card as a small token of our appreciation for your partnership.

More information about the Affiliates program and about the businesses featured will be coming soon. That’s a promise.

Meanwhile, tell us your thoughts about the new BVO (but don’t post them here, go to the new site). It’s easy to share your opinion by typing into the comment box located at the bottom of each blog post.

Welcome to the new page.

Facelift

I bet you have been wondering where I have been hiding? Well, our page is getting a facelift.

It is being moved to a new platform so that I can expand our offerings to include some advertising requests (if you would like to advertise with us, please let me know.)

We are also getting a fresh new look and format that will allow us to for content.

I also have tons of new content to share and am anxiously awaiting project completion.

Hoping to be ramped up in about a week.

I hope everyone is having an amazing summer.

Latest Oshkosh Scene Diversity Article by Janine Klug Wright

Does Oshkosh need a Diversity Council?

Janine Klug-Wright author if this month’s Diversity column in the Scene certainly gives us food for thought in her latest article.

Read it here: http://oshkosh.scenenewspaper.com/diversity-oshkosh-needs-a-diversity-council/

After reading it, chime in. What do you think? Post your comments and have your voice heard.

Employment in Brillion, Wisconsin-HR Assistant

Feel free to forward this employment opportunity to anyone who might be qualified.

Thanks in advance for doing so.

Also, please let us know if you have positions available that you would care to fill.

Our readers live all over the country, so your post does not have to be specific to the Fox Valley area.

Following are the details of this position:

HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT NEEDED IN BRILLION, WI!
HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT
ARE YOU SEEKING A POSITION LIKE THIS?
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE SEEKING A POSITION LIKE THIS?
OPENING AVAILABLE ASAP!

You will be responsible for filing, typing notes, reports and newsletters, putting together spreadsheets, creating forms, putting documents into appropriate folders, sending out service awards, entering applications into the system and ordering supplies. You will be tracking for safety and affirmative action, terminating people from the system when they leave the company, creating rejection postcards, helping with surveys, greeting applicants, interviews and other visitors, answering employee questions, screening overflow phone calls, taking employment verification phone calls, etc. You will also be in charge of converting reports from Excel into PowerPoint slides, assisting in scheduling interviews and helping with miscellaneous projects for the Human Resource Department as needed.

Must have solid administrative experience.

Prefer human resources experience.
Must have strong MSWD, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint skills.
Hours: 7:30am-4:00pm.
Length: Temporary Indefinite.
Pay: $13.00-$14.00 / hr.
Location: Brillion, WI
Job I.D. 123016

Cadre is an employment and staffing services firm specializing in the office and professional environment. The positions we fill include accounting, administrative, banking, customer service, human resources, purchasing, sales and many more! Depending upon the needs of the client, these full and part time positions may be short term, long term or permanent. Our clients range from small businesses to large corporations, many of whom rely primarily on Cadre to fill their office and professional openings.

Cadre is a family-owned, Wisconsin-based company. With offices in the Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Madison markets, we are well positioned to meet the needs of our clients and employees!
Cadre – Wisconsin’s Premier Staffing Service since 1994!
Apply today at http://www.cadreservices.com or contact Cassie at CassieL@cadreservices.com

Another Case of Shopping While Black?

I do my best to have a responsible social presence. In that vein, I am sharing this as a cautionary post to be followed up in a couple of days.

An Oshkosh small business owner (whose business shall remain nameless…at least for the moment) posted to her businesses’ Facebook page a “community warning”. In this warning, the owner goes on to report “beware of two black men” who were in her establishment.

She goes on to say that two “suspicious” black men who were “dressed in golf clothes” entered her establishment. One of the men “distracted one of her employees” while the other “hid in a corner”. She goes on to say that this incident has been reported to the police and that she has provided them with surveillance of the alleged “incident”.

I know you are reading this out of context, but did I miss the incident? What incident? No where in her post does she say that anyone one was harmed, anything was taken, any law was broken. So again I ask, what incident?

Is it possible for this person to have been any more irresponsible for spreading this propaganda?

The subsequent comments were just as defamatory and racist.

My first reaction was to comment to the post. I did. I wrote a scathing comment, but was encouraged by a friend to take it down. My friend reminded me that I had an obligation as a community leader (albeit-self-appointed) to not simply react. My friend was correct. I deleted my post.

However, I do have a course of action. I want to use this as a teachable moment. So, I am calling said business owner today to attempt to schedule a meeting with her.

My goal at this meeting is to get all of the facts and to educate her about all the reasons why her post was inappropriate.

Her response will dictate the next course of action. Which could include immediately discontinuing my patronage of her business, using my voice to tell everyone about this and to quite possibly organize a boycott of the business.

Do me a favor. I have already gotten feedback from people who read her post. If you read her post, share your thoughts, were you as saddened by this post as I was?

Meanwhile, please keep a look out for next steps and pray that this matter can be resolved in an amicable way that benefits the community, at large.

Stay tuned.

African-American Women in Hollywood on Oprah’s Next Chapter

Oprah Interviews Black Actresses Woodard, Davis, Rashad and Union Sunday, June 23 at 8p CST.

Set your DVRs because you won’t want to miss this interview. I am excited to watch it along with the preview of Dark Girls.

Reposted from Orpah.com:

Oprah sits down for an in-depth conversation with some of Hollywood's most powerful African-American actresses, including Alfre Woodard, Viola Davis, Phylicia Rashad and Gabrielle Union. During their interview at the Bacara Resport & Spa in Santa Barbara, California, the iconic actresses open up about the challenges, criticism and competition they face as African-American women in the entertainment industry.

Watch this episode of Oprah's Next Chapter on Sunday, June 23, at 9/8c, plus the world television premiere of the documentary Dark Girls at 10/9c.

For more information about this episode or previous ones, go to: http://www.oprah.com/own-oprahs-next-chapter/oprahs-next-chapter.html

Time for Change-Get Your Pockets Right: Part 2

According to a 2012 Nielsen report, the collective buying power of the African-American population is projected to be at $1.1 trillion by 2015. That’s trillion with a “t” (source: http://www.nielsen.com/africanamerican).

Simply put, black people love to consume.

So, this week’s financial tip from Carrie Thompson might prove radical for us. It’s going to challenge our psyche.

You should remember my financial muses, JB and Carrie Thompson.

They are the Oshkosh couple who has successfully eliminated more than $50,000 in debt without filing for bankruptcy. They did so in record time by using simple-to-implement, common-sense strategies.

In our previous Time for Change-Get Your Pockets Right post, JB recommended purchasing a notebook from the local dollar store and documenting every dime spent. That simple step enabled JB and Carrie to identify spending patterns and trends which started them on the path to turning things around for themselves.

I have gotten feedback from readers of this blog who have purchased and are using their notebooks. Many have reported that they can better see where their unnecessary expenses are and have been working toward eliminating those. Thanks, JB.

Today’s tip is from JB’s better half, Carrie. Carrie suggests:

1. Delaying your gratification. If you find something that you want to buy, sleep on it for 24 hours before purchasing it. Never impulse buy even if the item is on sale. Nothing is that good a bargain.

2. Plan your meals instead of eating out. It’s also good for the waistline.

3. Do your own manicures, pedicures, haircuts and shaves. The money you save will add up quickly.

So, there you have it. Three feasible money-saving ideas from a woman who did not let instant gratification and impulse shopping derail her on the road to financial freedom.

Take our quick Instant Gratification Poll. The results will be posted next week.

Reflections from Black Fathers

What better way to celebrate black fathers than by to give them a forum to share their experiences for themselves?

No one can tell my story better than I can. That’s why when I started thinking about a Father’s Day blog to honor black fathers, I reached out to the network of black fathers I know to solicit their feedback on the subject of fatherhood.

Earlier this week, I emailed and texted black dads I know and asked them questions about fatherhood. One question I asked was “What is the one thing you wish ‘other America’ knew about black fathers?”

Yes, I have read the same statistics you have. Those statistics say that there are many black dads who are absent, negligent, and imprisoned. Rarely, do we acknowledge the other black dads. Those guys who simply do what they must to nurture their children while rarely getting any positive recognition from the masses.

I feel an obligation to acknowledge the many wonderful men I know who are present, who are taking care of their kids, and who are glorious examples of manhood and leadership.

I received far more responses than I expected. The overwhelming response supports my theory that black men were simply waiting for someone to ask them their thoughts about the tremendous role they play.

A common theme amongst these gentlemen responders echoed this sentiment:

“For me, I am troubled by the low expectation that people have of black fathers. It is frustrating that no one expects anything from us. When I do anything, people respond with such amazement that I take care of my kids when it really is not a big deal. It’s simply what I am supposed to do. ~Tim R, Chicago father of three.

I received two heartfelt and sincere comments from two different dads. I thought it best not to tamper with or taint their responses with my own interpretation, but to share them with you as they were shared with me.

What better way to celebrate these men, than by giving them a platform to share their own thoughts in their own voices?

Todd B.~Clearfield, Utah, father of four children wrote:

“My goal as a father is like any other father. I equip my kids with the emotional and mental tools necessary for them to be successful. I am aware of the bad rap and stereotypes that black fathers have; it’s not true. It’s not true for me, or the circle of influence I navigate. I have to admit these and other unfair adversities can make a black father angry. We have to overcome the anger and not allow that anger to transfer to our children. Black, white, or brown I have found that dads feel unappreciated and taken for granted.

What makes us strong is that in spite of our feelings; we provide…unsung. Our reward is the smile on our families’ faces.”

Bill P~Chicago father of three girls wrote:

“I have been married for 21 years, and I am the father of four girls. My whole life I’ve felt that raising productive, well rounded, contributing members of society is the most important obligation of any parent. Raising my girls to emulate and be upgraded versions of me is my duty as a parent. It is my obligation to both my community and to the God I serve who has entrusted me with this task. I was never the hard-fisted dad that people have said I need to be as a black father. It is much more in my nature to talk to my girls. Whenever I did need to incorporate “The Rod”, it was always after a calm discussion as to why this punishment was about to go down. It’s easy to doubt your methods when your children are young and the proof hasn’t quite met up with the pudding yet, but patience. Allowing your own heart, mind and strength along with a few suggestions from the village elders will in the end prove- no matter what your particular style of fathering is. As long as love is the motivating factor…you’re doing it right.”

So, today we celebrate fathers. All fathers, but in particular OUR fathers. Enjoy your special day. You have earned it.

Envelope Budgeting

In response to our recent blog entitled, Time for Change-Get Your Pockets Right, a regular reader and commenter, Maritza Bermudez, shared the link below to introduce the Envelope Savings Budgeting Strategy.

In the About.com post, Envelope Budgeting is described as a “simple, systematic way of saving to pay bills while maintaining a personal budget.”

Maritza implemented Envelope Budgeting in her own household only days before this post. I look forward to updates from her about how things are going and, with her permission, will share her results.

Thank you, Maritza, for sharing this with BVO readers.

Meanwhile, to read the story, click (or copy) this link:
http://financialsoft.about.com/od/glossaryindexe/f/Envelope_Budget.htm

Maybe envelope budgeting is the right strategy for you? Tell us if you think it’s a good idea.

I wish you continued financial facelift success and happy budgeting.

Time for Change-Get Your Pockets Right

“If you had to pin a picture of what you ate everyday onto your clothes, you would be more mindful about your food intake. Writing down what you spend casts a light on spending and forces you to make adjustments.”

I enjoy both Clarke Howard and Suze Orman. Both are entertaining, and have given me some good financial nuggets over the years.

Yet, when I needed advice to turn things around with my own finances, I did not seek assistance from these famed financial gurus.

I wanted to talk to everyday people like myself. After all, “you gotta play to win” and since I don’t play lottery, my chances of walking away with the big jackpot are zilch.

I needed people who understood my plight, people with a similar world view and people who had made a dramatic change in their own finances by doing simple, everyday things over time that made a difference.

I wanted an easy-to-implement and pragmatic plan.

Thankfully, I found all of these things in my financial muses JB and Carrie Thompson.

The couple has been able to rid themselves of a significant debt—more than $50,000—in a couple of years. Today, they are close to being debt free. They did not file bankruptcy. They paid the debt by working together, applying practical principles, closely monitoring their finances and getting involved in what is for them a life-changing business.

They are regular working stiffs like you and I who were able to turn things around. I am inspired by them.

Thankfully, they have agreed to let us all in on their secrets!

Over the course of the next several weeks, we will learn more about the Thompsons, read about their journey from debt to freedom, and about the business they credit with helping them to turn things around.

Today’s tip is from JB.

JB suggests purchasing a $.89 pocket notebook from your local Dollar Store, to keep it with you at all times, and to write down every penny you spend.

“If you had to pin a picture of what you ate everyday onto your clothes, you would be more mindful about your food intake. Writing down what you spend casts a light on spending and forces you to make adjustments,” says JB.

JB goes on to say, “If you don’t know where you are spending your money, how can you make necessary changes?”

I invite you to join me on my quest to correct my financial psyche by taking advantage of the simple, proven tips from everyday people who made a big change to positively impact their personal finances.

Feel free to invite others to follow the blog. This information is too important not to share.

I would love to hear from our readers. What impactful, debt-reducing strategies have you implemented?

Sharing your tips is easy. Simply click the “Leave a Comment” balloon at the top, left-hand corner of the screen.